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radioactive decay (alpha (consist of 2 protons and 2 neutrons (emitted…
radioactive decay
alpha
symbol α
consist of 2 protons and 2 neutrons
emitted from the nucleus
positive charge
contains 2(+) protons
slowest speed
easily stopped
few sheets of paper
high ionising power
6 - 8 cm range in air
beta
symbol β
consist of an electron
emitted from the nucleus
results from a neutron splitting into a proton and an electron
negatively charged particles
penetrates paper
can be stopped
sheet of aluminium
medium ionising power
1 - 2 m range in air
gamma
symbol γ
electromagnetic radiation
emitted from the nucleus
no mass
no electrical charge
only stopped by thick lead
or several metres of concrete
low ionising power
300 - 500 m range in air
three different types
alpha
slowest speed
gamma
medium speed
beta
fastest speed
all come from the nucleus of the atom
all three types cause ionisation
other atoms
living cells
causes damage
could lead to cancer